Morocco 2 Day Itinerary

Morocco 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marrakech Exploration

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Start the day with a traditional Moroccan breakfast at a local café or riad (guesthouse). Try some mint tea, croissants, and jam.
  • 9:00 am: Visit the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the old medina. Be prepared for a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells!
  • 10:30 am: Explore the nearby Bahia Palace, a stunning example of Islamic architecture.

Afternoon

  • 1:00 pm: Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant. Try some traditional dishes like tagine, couscous, or harira (lentil soup).
  • 2:30 pm: Visit the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful botanical garden created by French artist Jacques Majorelle.
  • 4:00 pm: Wander through the vibrant souks (markets) of Marrakech, where you can find everything from spices to handicrafts.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. Don’t forget to try some sweet pastilla for dessert!
  • 9:00 pm: Take a stroll around the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which transforms into a lively night market with street food, music, and performers.

Things to Know

  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques or palaces.
  • Haggling is expected in souks, so be prepared to negotiate prices.
  • Try to avoid traveling during peak summer months (June to August) due to the heat.

Day 2: Essaouira Adventure

Morning

  • 8:00 am: Take a morning bus or taxi from Marrakech to Essaouira (approximately 3 hours).
  • 11:00 am: Explore the charming medina of Essaouira, with its whitewashed houses and blue shutters.
  • 12:30 pm: Visit the Skalla de la Ville, a historic fortress with stunning ocean views.

Afternoon

  • 2:00 pm: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many local restaurants.
  • 3:30 pm: Relax on Essaouira Beach, known for its calm waters and picturesque scenery.
  • 5:00 pm: Take a stroll along the beachfront promenade, where you can find street performers and vendors.

Evening

  • 7:00 pm: Return to Marrakech by bus or taxi (approximately 3 hours).
  • 9:00 pm: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Marrakech.

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, do not need a visa to enter Morocco for tourism purposes.
  • Check with the Moroccan government’s website or consult with your local embassy for specific requirements.

Transportation

  • Marrakech has an international airport (RAK) with connections to major European cities.
  • Taxis, buses, and trains are available for transportation between cities.
  • Consider hiring a private driver or guide for the day.

Other Tips

  • Learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “shukraan” (thank you) and “as-salamu alaykum” (hello).
  • Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting mosques or palaces.
  • Don’t drink tap water; stick to bottled or filtered water.

Accommodation

  • Marrakech has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly riads to luxury hotels.
  • Consider staying in the old medina for easy access to main attractions.
  • Book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.